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It's not often I get invited to a motorcycle event in India, so when Royal Enfield asked me to attend its Motoverse Festival as a special guest so I could experience what the show was all about and take part in a live Q&A session about the custom motorcycle scene, I jumped at the chance.
Up until that point, I had no knowledge of Motoverse (previously Rider Mania). A quick search online revealed that Royal Enfield has been hosting the three-day festival for over 10 years in the country's popular holiday destination of Goa. The event is a one-brand affair. Motoverse is the biggest gathering of Royal Enfield motorcycles in the world and everything that takes place there is provided by Royal Enfield and is designed to support the brand's existing community and attract new riders. I knew it was something I had to experience.
This wasn't my first trip to India. Fifteen years ago I went there with my now wife and spent three weeks exploring parts of the country's northwest. As a result, I felt somewhat prepared for what lay ahead of me. Still, India is a sensory overload. It can be very overwhelming for the ill-equipped and my taxi ride from the airport to my hotel quickly reminded me of that.
Driving in India is akin to rally driving but with the added thrill of oncoming traffic. Throw several thousand motorcycles and scooters into the mix and the occasional stray dog or cow and any fatigue from your flight will quickly be replaced by adrenaline. Thankfully, I made it in one piece and managed to get some rest before the show began the following morning.
The next day I awoke to the sound of motorcycles, which is always nice. Peering outside I witnessed a stream of riders, all on Royal Enfields, making their way to the venue. After a quick shower and a bite to eat, I walked to the venue hoping to gain early access before the crowds came in. On my way, I was passed a group of riders all dressed similarly and wearing Guy Fawkes masks. Pillions were waving banners and blowing loudly on horns while the riders revved their engines and popped their exhausts to create a spectacle. I later found out they were one of the many Royal Enfield rider groups that exist around the country and that when they come to the show they like to make an entrance.
When I arrived at the venue I was taken aback by its sheer size. Motoverse takes place at HillTop Goa, an open-air venue space located in the town of Vagator. The event is made up of six zones, with each one catering to different aspects of motorcycling.
Zones 1 and 2 consisted of a huge open paddock parking area that was already two-thirds full hours before the event opened. Alongside it was the "Tech Shop" pop-up mechanical workshop. This was where showgoers could bring their bikes to get them serviced, repaired, or have aftermarket parts installed by qualified Royal Enfield mechanics. Zone 3 was the Motosonic main stage. Akin to something you'd expect to see at Coachella, the huge music stage with its epic light and laser show came to life each evening to showcase some of India's big-name bands. The aptly named Motothrill Zone 4 was all about racing. It featured a 600-meter flat track, a motocross track, a trials course, a trials school, a moto maze, and several blocks of stadium seating so spectators could take it all in. Zone 5 was Motoville, where visitors could register to test ride the new Himalayan 450 during the festival. Zone 6, also known as Basecamp, contained two more live music stages, a custom motorcycle exhibition with over 30 bikes, movie screenings, brand displays, a shopping area, and much more.
When the doors opened, the crowds began to stream in. Events took place in each zone from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day and included other attractions, such as beer drinking and show and shine competitions, slow races, live DJs, Q&A sessions with local and international guests, a Himalayan 450 trials school, and interactive displays. Over the three days, around 25,000 people from all over the country made their way through the gates. Outside, the streets were lined with Royal Enfields as far as the eye could see and everywhere I went I saw people wearing official Motoverse merchandise.
Adding to the spectacle of the entire event was the unveiling of two new models in the Enfield range. The first was the Himalayan 450. It appeared on several stands around the venue, including the Basecamp Himalayan Immersion Center, where you could learn about the various stages of the bike's development. The second model was unveiled by Royal Enfield Managing Director Siddhartha Lal on the Motosonic stage at the end of the first day. Backed by an impressive lighting show, a specially made Bladerunner-esque movie, and a rockstar-scale greeting from the crowd, Sidd revealed a limited 25-bike Motoverse edition of the upcoming Shotgun 650. He then gave the showgoers heartfelt thanks for their support and announced that the 25 bikes would only be available to Motoverse attendees. The response was resoundingly positive.
I spent the next two days soaking up the festival atmosphere. I watched amateur riders compete for glory on the Motothrill tracks and people of all ages dancing the night away.
I left Motoverse in awe of what Royal Enfield has created. This was by far the biggest event organized by a single manufacturer that I had ever witnessed. There were no egos or macho attitudes here, just friendly people looking to have a good time. Royal Enfield produced not just an amazing event, but also an incredible sense of fellowship and community.
